A couple from North Cornelly have been sentenced to more than 16 years in prison after being found guilty of raping a 17-year-old girl who had been drinking with them at a local pub in September 2022.
Sean Ellis-Evans, 39, and Sarah Vigus, 38, both of Heol Degwm, North Cornelly, were each sentenced to eight years and three months at Cardiff Crown Court on Monday, 22 September, following their conviction by a unanimous jury verdict in April 2025. The court heard harrowing details of how the pair targeted the teenager after an evening of heavy drinking, with evidence revealing they had previously discussed sexual fantasies involving the victim.
Judge Lucy Crowther, presiding over the sentencing, condemned the couple for taking advantage of a “vulnerable” victim. “You both violated her in an intimate way, both emotionally and physically. She was a particularly vulnerable woman,” the judge stated during sentencing.
The attack occurred on 4 September 2022, when the victim had been out celebrating with Vigus and her partner Ellis-Evans at a local pub in the Bridgend area. Mobile phone evidence uncovered during the police investigation revealed the couple had expressed sexual interest in the teenager well before the assault and had bought her several alcoholic drinks throughout the evening before inviting her back to their home.
Upon arriving at the property on Heol Degwm, the victim recalled little except falling asleep on the downstairs sofa. When she awoke, she found herself being sexually assaulted by Ellis-Evans whilst Vigus restrained her. The teenager immediately screamed and shouted at her attackers, forcing them to withdraw. Despite Vigus’s attempts to prevent her from leaving and claims that she had consented, the victim rejected these assertions, gathered her belongings and fled the property.
Ellis-Evans followed the distressed teenager and took her home, where she immediately disclosed the traumatic events to her parents. Her mother contacted South Wales Police that same evening, leading to the arrest of both defendants the following morning.
During police interviews, both Ellis-Evans and Vigus denied raping the teenager. Vigus admitted to sexual contact but maintained it was consensual. However, after a lengthy legal process spanning more than two and a half years, a jury at Cardiff Crown Court found both defendants guilty on 4 April 2025. Ellis-Evans was convicted of rape, whilst Vigus was found guilty of both rape and sexual assault by penetration.
In a powerful victim personal statement read to the court, the teenager, now 20, detailed the devastating impact the attack has had on her life. My life and mental health changed drastically on 4th September 2022. After 2 and a half years waiting for the trial, the verdict on 4th April 2025 left me feeling the opposite of relieved,” she stated.
The victim described living in “survival mode” since the guilty verdict, constantly second-guessing herself and developing an unhealthy relationship with intimacy that has affected her personal relationships. “I wear a mask, hiding my true feelings. I struggle with sleep, reliving that night, and I feel disgusted with my body,” she revealed in her statement.
Despite the trauma, the victim demonstrated remarkable resilience, explaining how she initially dropped out of college but returned to focus on her teaching degree. “I’m hoping to rebuild my life and make my parents proud,” she told the court.
Detective Constable Jessica Pritchard, the investigating officer from South Wales Police, praised the victim’s courage throughout the investigation and court proceedings. “The victim has demonstrated remarkable strength and resilience throughout this investigation and during her time in court, where she provided compelling evidence to the jury,” DC Pritchard stated.
The detective emphasised the challenges victims of sexual offences face when engaging with police investigations, noting that “the process is often traumatic, court dates can stretch on for months, and discussing such deeply personal experiences is never easy.
DC Pritchard highlighted that evidence clearly indicated the defendants had shown sexual interest in the teenager long before the assault occurred, with mobile phone data playing a crucial role in establishing the premeditated nature of the attack.
John Ryan, representing Ellis-Evans in mitigation, told the court his client was remorseful and had been unable to see his children as a result of the case. Martha Smith-Higgins, acting on behalf of Vigus, stated her client has two children and was considered a “low risk of reoffending” according to assessments.
However, Judge Crowther remained unmoved by the mitigation, focusing on the severity of the crime and its impact on the victim. Both defendants will serve at least two-thirds of their sentences before being eligible for release on licence. They have been placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life and are subject to indefinite restraining orders preventing any contact with the victim.
The case has highlighted ongoing concerns about sexual violence in Wales, particularly involving vulnerable young people. South Wales Police have reiterated their commitment to supporting victims of sexual offences and encouraged anyone who has experienced similar crimes to come forward.
DC Pritchard concluded: “I hope this brings her some sense of peace as she begins to rebuild her life following the judge’s decision regarding both defendants.”
The sentencing at Cardiff Crown Court, where Judge Lucy Crowther has presided since her appointment to the Wales Circuit in October 2022, sends a clear message about the serious consequences for those who commit sexual offences against vulnerable individuals.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding young people in social situations and the devastating, long-lasting impact that sexual violence can have on victims and their families.
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